Why Study Computer Science?

Students who take GCSE in Computing will want to extend their understanding of the technology behind the digital world in which we live.

They will want to know how computers work, what hardware and software actually do and want to learn programming skills that they can then use to solve computer based problems.

There will be a focus on Python to create high level console applications along with the function of low-level programming, through conceptual models and the use of assembly code programming.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Computer Systems

  • Systems Architecture
  • Memory and Storage
  • Computer Networks, connections and protocols
  • Network security
  • System software
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Computational Thinking, Algorithms And Programming

  • Algorithms
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Producing robust programs
  • Boolean logic
  • Programming languages and integrated development environments

You will develop skills in managing computer based projects, database design and use, programming in specific computer languages.

Career Pathways

There is currently a shortfall in the number of well skilled IT professionals within the workforce.  This course is specifically designed to deliver the sort of high level skills that might lead to a successful career in the area.

This course provides the best first step towards A Level Computing, touching on all the key areas that are covered in greater depth within the A Level course.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: GCSE Computer Science

Awarding Body: OCR

Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Computer Systems

  • 50% of the total GCSE
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • written paper

80 marks

Paper 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

  • 50% of the total GCSE
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • written paper

80 marks

Why Study Creative iMedia?

This course is for people who like to use ICT in a creative manner.  To stretch your learning, you can investigate the different purpose, uses and audience for digital media across the UK.  This could include the development of apps on phones and tablets, social media and its impact on the world, or the development of comic book narratives in popular culture.

Course Content & Skills

Digital Media is a key part of many areas of our everyday lives and vital to the UK economy.  Production of digital media products is a requirement of almost every business so there is huge demand for a skilled and digitally literate workforce.  This course will provide you with the skills for further study in subjects such as media, journalism, design or business.  It also prepares you for a range of creative and technical job roles within the media industry.

Career Pathways

Useful for:

  • Level 3 media courses
  • Careers in web design
  • Careers in media production (TV, radio and film)
  • Careers in games design and development
  • Careers in graphic design

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: Creative iMedia – OCR Cambridge National Level 1 & 2 Certificate

Awarding Body: OCR

Entry Tiers: One Tier

Assessment Structure

Students will be assessed via three units. There are two mandatory units and one optional unit:

  • Creative iMedia in the media industry (Exam – 40%)
  • Visual identity and digital graphics (Coursework – 25%)
  • Interactive digital media/Characters & Comics/Animation with Audio/Visual Imaging/Digital Games (Optional Choice – Coursework – 35%)

40% Examination

25% Mandatory Coursework Unit

35% Optional Coursework Unit

Grades are based on assessment across all three units and are graded Level 2 Distinction* to Level 1 Pass

The course is assessed at the end of the qualification and is equivalent to GCSE grading.  All colleges and universities accept this qualification and grading.

Why Study Enterprise & Marketing?

In Enterprise & Marketing, you will learn about how the world of business works and its relevance to almost every aspect of modern society. Amongst other topics, you will learn about planning, finance, marketing and economics and discover some of the methods and techniques used to analyse an organisation’s performance.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Students will follow the Cambridge Nationals in Enterprise and Marketing qualification. This is a vocational qualification and students have to complete three units.

R064 Enterprise and Marketing concepts
In this Unit you will develop essential knowledge and understanding of enterprise and marketing concepts, which can be applied to the other units within the qualification.

R065 Design a Business Proposal
In this unit you will develop the skills to design a business proposal to meet a specific business challenge. You will identify a customer profile for a specific product, complete market research to generate product design ideas, and use financial calculations to propose a pricing strategy and determine the viability of their product proposal.

R066 Market and pitch a business proposal
In this unit you will develop the skills to create a brand identity and promotional plan for your specific business product proposal developed in the second topic. You will develop pitching skills in order to pitch your business proposal to an external audience. Finally, you will review your pitching skills and business proposal using your learning, self-assessment and feedback gathered.

Students will also gain the following skills: Application of knowledge and ability to understand, organise and interpret information, evaluate, present, ICT, Numeracy, communication, leadership and teamwork.

Career Pathways

Business skills are essential for success in employment and provide fundamental knowledge required by employers, in addition to providing transferable skills for future study. You will need to achieve at least Level 2 Pass to continue studying this subject at College. It will prepare you for A Level Business or a vocational qualification such as a BTEC.

 This qualification covers a range of topics and can lead into careers in the following sectors, Financial, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Operations.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: Vocational Cambridge National Level 2 Award

Awarding Body: OCR

Title: Enterprise & Marketing

Assessment Structure

Unit R064: Enterprise and marketing concepts
1 hour and 30 minutes written exam – 50%
Mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions

Unit R065: Design a business proposal
Centred assessed task (coursework) – 25%

Unit R066: Market and pitch a business proposal
Centred assessed task (coursework) – 25%

Grading Structure

Level 2 Distinction* equal to GCSE grade 8.5
Level 2 Distinction equal to GCSE grade 7
Level 2 Merit equal to GCSE grade 5.5
Level 2 Pass equal to GCSE grade 4
Level 1 Distinction equal to GCSE grade 3
Level 1 Merit equal to GCSE grade 2
Level 1 Pass equal to GCSE grade 1